Rail Money Check Stays Put: Board Hits Pause
Published Date: 7/14/2025
Notice
Summary
The Surface Transportation Board is ending its long-running review of how it checks if big railroads are making enough money. This affects major rail companies like Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern, who had asked for changes in the rules. No new rules will be made, and the current way of deciding revenue adequacy will stay as is for now.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20783, First Student, Inc.-Acquisition of Control-Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc.
First Student, Inc. wants to take control of Autumn Transportation Inc. and Ambassador Wheelchair Services, Inc. by buying all their shares. The Surface Transportation Board is giving a thumbs-up to this deal, but people have until November 23, 2026, to share any concerns. If no one objects, the deal will go through on November 24, 2026, potentially changing how these transportation services operate.
2026-20455, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Petitions for Declaratory Order and Petitions for Relief Not Otherwise Specified
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep collecting info from folks like shippers, railroads, and communities who ask for official decisions to clear up disputes. They’re asking for your thoughts by December 7, 2026, to make sure the process stays smooth and useful. This won’t cost extra money but helps keep things clear and fair for everyone involved.
2026-20456, 60-Day Notice of Intent To Seek Extension of Approval: Classification Index Survey Form
The Surface Transportation Board wants to keep using its Classification Index Survey Form, which helps track railroad info. This affects railroad companies that don’t file the big annual report, and they’ll spend about 24 hours a year filling it out. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, with no changes or extra costs planned.
2026-20205, Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP, LLC, et al.-Control Exemption-Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad Company
Macquarie Infrastructure Partners V GP and its affiliates are taking control of the Kankakee, Beaverville and Southern Railroad, a freight railroad running about 160 miles in Illinois and Indiana. This change means Pinsly Holdco and Pinsly Railroad Company will now own and operate KBSR, which was previously controlled by the Stroo Family. The deal, agreed on September 16, 2026, expands Macquarie’s rail network without any immediate cost changes announced.
2026-20206, Union Pacific Railroad Company-Discontinuance of Service Exemption-in San Bernardino County, Cal.
Union Pacific Railroad is stopping freight service on a 2.76-mile stretch of track in Rialto, San Bernardino County, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and residents in zip code 92376 but won’t disrupt other rail traffic. The service stop will take effect November 1, 2026, unless someone steps in to keep it running or files a complaint by early October.
2026-19711, CSX Transportation, Inc.-Abandonment Exemption-in Hamilton County, Ohio
CSX Transportation is planning to stop using about 2 miles of railroad track in Hamilton County, Ohio, because no trains have run there for over two years. This change affects local businesses and workers, but any employees impacted will get special protections. If no one steps up to save the line by October 8, 2026, the closure will go ahead on October 28, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-13093, Open Meeting of the Taxpayer Advocacy Panel's Joint Committee; Correction
Heads up! The Taxpayer Advocacy Panel's joint meeting date moved to Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. ET, and John A. Lipold is now the official contact person. The meeting stays virtual on Microsoft Teams, so no travel needed. This update affects anyone interested in the panel’s work but doesn’t change any costs or other details.
Next: 2025-13098, Notice of OFAC Sanctions Action
The U.S. Treasury’s OFAC just added some people and ships to a special blacklist because they broke important rules. This means any money or property they have in the U.S. is frozen, and Americans can’t do business with them. These changes take effect right away, so watch out if you’re connected!